Vande Mataram Bill Introduced in Rajya Sabha to Criminalise Insults to the National Song
Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on 20 July 2026, the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. What it does: The Bill amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which currently criminalises acts of disrespect towards the National Flag, the Constitution of India and the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana). The 2026 amendment extends the same statutory protection to the National Song, 'Vande Mataram'. Penalty: Under the existing Act, intentionally preventing the singing of the National Anthem or causing a disturbance to an assembly engaged in singing it is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine, or both. The amendment makes the same penalties applicable to anyone who intentionally prevents or disturbs the singing of Vande Mataram. Significance: The Bill is introduced in the 150th anniversary year of the composition of Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1876.
Vande Mataram composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1876; published in his novel Anandamath (1882) | First sung at the 1896 Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress by Rabindranath Tagore | Adopted as National Song on 24 January 1950 by the Constituent Assembly, given equal status with the National Anthem | National Anthem Jana Gana Mana written by Rabindranath Tagore, adopted 24 January 1950; playing time 52 seconds
Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on 20 July 2026, extending the 1971 Act's protection to the National Song 'Vande Mataram', with a penalty of up to 3 years' imprisonment. • Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1876 and adopted as the National Song on 24 January 1950.
